Youth policy to unlock demographic dividend

The federal cabinet has approved the National Adolescent and Youth Policy, a framework meant to help Pakistan turn its young population into a demographic dividend. According to The Express Tribune, the policy aims to equip young people with skills and expertise for success in many fields. The approval came after detailed talks, on condition that the suggestions raised by members be built into the final text.

The ministry said Pakistan is among the youngest countries, with around 67% of its population younger than 30, according to the Population Census 2023. Even so, Pakistan placed 162nd among 193 countries on the Commonwealth Global Youth Development Index 2023. Few openings in rural and underserved areas, rapid digital change, climate change, skills gaps and social exclusion were cited as further pressures. The policy is described as Pakistan's first national framework that brings adolescents and youth under one integrated lens, treating those aged 10 to 29 as a distinct group.

Working on the prime minister's instructions, the drafting was guided by the chairman of the PM Youth Programme, with Unicef providing technical support. A multi-stakeholder task force supplied strategic guidance, expert input and oversight so the text reflected young people's needs. Cabinet members also proposed inclusion of values, sports and culture opportunities, quality schooling, youth councils in local governments and fast-track education for overage primary pupils.